A culturally and historically diverse country with various ecosystems and mixed landscapes, Spain is a welcoming country and a favorite destination for many. Covering most of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe, and its territory includes two cities on the North African Coast and the Balearic and Canary Islands complex. The country’s geographical boundaries stretch from Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque country and span south from the Pyrenees to the Strait of Gibraltar. Its heartland is dominated by the Meseta Central plateau, traversed by the Sistema Central mountain range. The mesetas are flanked by numerous mountain ranges, such as the Galician Massif, the Cantabrian Mountains, and the Sierra Morena. Spain is known for its mountainous villages, well-preserved castles and mansions, Gothic churches, and Medieval old towns. Discover Spain and its towns, mountains, or coasts with a reliable and affordable car rental. We offer long-term car hire in Spain and many pick-up and drop-off points in numerous Spanish cities.
Spain’s rich cultural and historical heritage dates back to the Celts and Romans, and the country has experienced a multicultural diversity that has left its mark to this day. The various and different cultures that have shaped Spain—those of the Castilians, Catalonians, Basques, Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Gypsies, among others—are well known for their diverse gastronomy, traditions, and copious contributions to the world's artistic history. Furthermore, the Iberian Peninsula served as the western frontier of the Neolithic Revolution, which involved cultural dispersion that began on the eastern side of the Mediterranean around the 5th millennium B.C.
Catalonia's mountainous region and the Ebro River's large valley are located in the northeast of the country. To the northwest are the Cantabrian Mountains, a mountainous region with thick forests, lush valleys, and tall summits. To the south lies the orchard-rich, irrigated valley of the Guadalquivir River, dominated by the formidable Sierra Nevada National Park. The center of Spain is a high, dry plateau encircled and intersected by mountain ranges. Many rivers end up on the shoreline, creating fertile farmland, such as the Tagus, Duero, and Guadiana. Nonetheless, the country's interior is extremely hot in the summer and cold and dry during winter. With 49 World Heritage Sites, Spain is renowned for its diverse landscapes, complex biodiversity, abundant natural parks, Medieval towns, Gothic architecture, and extensive sandy beaches. The northern part of the country, called Green Spain, contrasts with its arid and Mediterranean counterparts in the south. Green Spain consists of emerald hillsides, rainy weather, dense forests, and a Celtic heritage. The south region of Andalusia is renowned for its gastronomy, flamenco culture, sandy coastline, and sunny weather. No matter which region you choose to visit, an affordable and reliable car rental is highly recommended during your stay in Spain. Car hire in Spain is now affordable, safe, and flexible when you trust Imperial Car Rental’s services.
According to archaeological evidence and research, Spain was inhabited from the Paleolithic Period. From around 1100 B.C. to the middle of the third century B.C., the Phoenicians and Greeks handled trade and cultural contact with Mediterranean civilizations. At the end of this period, the Romans and Carthaginians supplanted the two civilizations. The Iberians and Celts were the two biggest populations living on the Iberian Peninsula prior to the Roman conquest. The Iberians lived on the Mediterranean side of the peninsula, while the Celts inhabited the majority of the peninsula's interior and Atlantic shores. The time of Roman dominance had a lasting impression on Spanish culture, as it did on much of Western Europe. The Romans left an indelible mark on language, religion, and architectural traditions. With the Roman invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, the province of Hispania was formed.
Following the Romanization and Christianization of the country, the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century resulted in the inward migration of Central European tribes such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and the Suebi. Spain is one of the most Muslim-influenced European countries, a fact that has considerably influenced its culture, traditions, and architecture. The Arab-speaking Muslims of the Middle East and North Africa invaded Spain in 711 CE and ruled much of the country for about 800 years. The Muslim cultural influence was substantial, particularly in terms of language. Moreover, the existence of a large and important Jewish population added to Spain's cultural mix. As a result of this centuries-long history, Spain is widely known for its mix of architectural elements preserved in buildings, churches, and squares, as well as for its gastronomy, music, dance, and arts.
Spain is renowned for its World Heritage Sites, expansive natural parks, open-air municipal markets, the flamenco culture, and its gastronomy. Flamenco is symbolized by expressive dancers dressed in traditional garments, and it was named one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages in 2010. Flamenco music is synonymous with southern Spanish culture and blends guitar, castanets, and an el cajón percussion box, complemented by singing and intense dancing motions. Spanish architecture needs no introduction, but what resulted from the combination of two exquisite art traditions, Gothic and Islamic, is something everyone admires.
The Alhambra is a historic fortress in the Granada region that is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. The Moors ruled Spain for many years, and the first Nasrid emir built Alhambra in 1238. It was originally erected in 889 as a fortress, but extensive improvements were added from the 13th century onwards, and it was converted into the king's royal residence. Another vital landmark and World Heritage Site is the Doñana National Park, spread over three provinces and home to a rich biodiversity including more than 30 species of mammals, 360 bird species, endemic flora and fauna species, and important nesting areas. Another protected natural area and World Heritage Site is the Monte Perdido, covering more than 155 square kilometers. The Pyrenees are a vast mountain range covering around 430 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay.